Infamous far-right militiaman arrested after refusing to surrender unregistered vehicle

Ammon Bundy, the militia figure known for armed standoffs with federal authorities, spent part of Wednesday in an Iron County, Utah jail after a traffic stop over his pickup's expired registration, according to St. George News.

Iron County Sheriff Ken Carpenter said the truck's registration had lapsed two years ago and that Bundy had been warned at least once before, which Bundy confirmed. Deputies stopped him on southbound Interstate 15 in Washington County. When asked why the truck wasn't registered, Bundy referred them to his lawyer, the sheriff said.

As deputies set up a state tax impound, Bundy allegedly refused orders to get out. Lt. Shawn Peterson said deputies physically removed him, and described the conduct as "passive resistance," saying Bundy didn't fight but wouldn't comply. His booking record lists failure to obey an officer, interfering with a peace officer, driving without registration and driving with an expired license.

Bundy was released after local business owner Brad Green posted $690 bail. Bundy told the paper he objects to licensing and registration because he considers travel a God-given right — a common belief of the so-called sovereign citizen movement.

"I disagree with having to have permission to travel," Bundy said.

He was charged $725.75 to release the truck from DMV impound plus $410 for towing, bringing the total with bail to $1,825.75.

After his release, Bundy said he walked roughly eight miles along I-15 in boots and a hat to protest. He said the walk followed the traffic stop, when a deputy told him that without valid registration and a license, he could walk. A deputy later pulled up beside him and said he couldn't walk the freeway, but Bundy kept going. Utah law bars pedestrians from no-access freeways except in emergencies. Bundy plans to seek records on the arrest and an earlier encounter with police in Parowan.

Bundy famously helped lead the 2016 occupation of Oregon's Malheur National Wildlife Refuge and was acquitted of all charges in that case. He subsequently became a leading figure in protesting COVID-19 lockdown rules. In recent years, however, he has broken with other far-right activists to criticize the excessive force used by President Donald Trump's Immigration and Customs Enforcement.